William Frederick Carpenter

William (Bill) Carpenter, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away March 10, 2021, after a long battle with leukemia.

Bill was an educator in New Jersey, beginning as an elementary school teacher and progressing to superintendent of schools before he retired.  He was active in USTA, having served as Adult Competition Coordinator for USTA Middle States, and was a member of the Middle States board.

Bill will be remembered for a ready laugh that is difficult to describe.  It was distinctive, infectious, uniquely his own.  He loved devilling other people and making you laugh with him.

He had a propensity to trade cars, having owned more than 45 in his lifetime, and loved to help others "get a deal" too.  

He was an avid camper and took his daughters on many a hike looking for the "Jersey devil".  He also knew how to make magic candy fall out of his sleeve with just a few special words.  After retiring, he and his wife loved taking their RV on road trips to explore this beautiful country of ours.

He had an eclectic taste in music and could name most popular songs from the 50's or 60's after hearing just a few bars.

Bill was an incredible athlete and played baseball, basketball and tennis.   He was dubbed the "fastest man over 60" by one of his teammates.   He loved competing and expressed it through his tennis.  His teams made Sectionals in both New Jersey and Florida, and he went to Senior Nationals four times with various teams.

Most of all, Bill loved his family.   His daughters were the light of his life, and he was close with his niece, Zhi, nephew Billy, and cousin Tabby.  He had a special bond with his sisters-in-law on Team Willie as well.

Bill is survived by Mary, his wife of 51 years, by his daughters, Sarah and Natalie, and son-in-law (Alex), by his sister Vasha, her husband Wayne, and the many friends he treasured and held close.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, PO BOX 735308, Dallas, TX 75373-5308 or Hope Hospice, 9470 Healthpark Cir., Fort Myers, FL 33908. 

A scholarship to provide disadvantaged young tennis players who want to compete in tournaments with the funds to do so is also being established.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.